Are you preparing for the NCLEX and seeking effective study resources? Look no further! This blog post will introduce you to a comprehensive collection of free NCLEX practice questions and answers for 2024.
Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or looking to refresh your knowledge, our carefully curated questions will help you gauge your understanding of key nursing concepts and boost your confidence as you approach exam day. Join us as we explore the best strategies and resources to enhance your NCLEX preparation and set you on the path to success in your nursing career.
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20 Free NCLEX Practice Questions
Here are 20 free NCLEX practice questions to help you prepare for the exam. Each question includes multiple-choice answers and an explanation for the correct answer.
1. A nurse assesses a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding is expected?
A) Increased anteroposterior chest diameter
B) Bradycardia
C) Decreased respiratory rate
D) Hypotension
**Answer: A) Increased anteroposterior chest diameter**
**Explanation:** COPD often causes a barrel chest appearance due to hyperinflation of the lungs.
2. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse expect to find?
A) Polyuria
B) Diaphoresis
C) Bradycardia
D) Dry skin
Answer: B) Diaphoresis
Explanation: Hypoglycemia often presents with symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and confusion.
3. What is the priority nursing action for a client experiencing an anaphylactic reaction?
A) Administer oxygen
B) Establish an IV line
C) Administer epinephrine
D) Monitor vital signs
Answer: C) Administer epinephrine**
Explanation: Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis to reverse the severe allergic reaction.
4. A client on warfarin therapy has an INR of 5.5. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Administer the next dose as prescribed
B) Hold the next dose and notify the physician
C) Increase the dose of warfarin
D) Administer protamine sulfate
Answer: B) Hold the next dose and notify the physician**
Explanation: An INR of 5.5 is above the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of bleeding. The physician should be notified.
5. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause cardiac arrhythmias?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypernatremia
D) Hyponatremia
Answer: A) Hyperkalemia
Explanation: Elevated potassium levels can disrupt the heart’s electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which intervention is essential to maintain tube patency?
A) Flush the tube with 30 mL of normal saline every 4 hours
B) Administer medications directly into the tube without flushing
C) Replace the tube every 24 hours
D) Encourage the client to drink fluids
Answer: A) Flush the tube with 30 mL of normal saline every 4 hours**
Explanation: Regular flushing with normal saline helps prevent clogging and maintains tube patency.
7. A nurse is teaching a client about wound care. Which instruction should the nurse include?
A) Use hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound daily
B) Keep the wound moist and covered
C) Expose the wound to air for faster healing
D) Apply antibiotic ointment once a week
Answer: B) Keep the wound moist and covered**
Explanation: Moist wound healing environments are known to promote faster and more effective healing.
8. A client with a history of seizure disorder is prescribed phenytoin. Which statement indicates the client needs further teaching?
A) “I will take the medication at the same time every day.”
B) “I can stop the medication once my seizures are controlled.”
C) “I will have my blood levels checked regularly.”
D) “I will notify my doctor if I develop a rash.”
Answer: B) “I can stop the medication once my seizures are controlled.”**
Explanation: Abrupt discontinuation of anticonvulsants can precipitate seizures. The medication should be taken consistently as prescribed.
9. The nurse is preparing to administer a medication via an intramuscular injection. Which site is appropriate for an adult?
A) Deltoid muscle
B) Vastus lateralis muscle
C) Dorsogluteal muscle
D) Abdomen
Answer: A) Deltoid muscle
Explanation: The deltoid muscle is a common site for intramuscular injections in adults for medications given in small volumes.
10. A client with a peptic ulcer is prescribed sucralfate. When should the nurse administer this medication?
A) With meals
B) One hour before meals
C) With antacids
D) After meals
Answer: B) One hour before meals**
Explanation: Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach to effectively coat the ulcer and protect it from stomach acid.
11. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure. Which symptom is indicative of left-sided heart failure?
A) Peripheral edema
B) Jugular vein distention
C) Crackles in the lungs
D) Hepatomegaly
Answer: C) Crackles in the lungs**
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion, causing crackles in the lungs.
12. A client with hypertension is started on a beta-blocker. What is the primary action of this medication?
A) Decrease blood volume
B) Increase heart rate
C) Dilate peripheral blood vessels
D) Decrease heart rate and contractility
Answer: D) Decrease heart rate and contractility**
Explanation: Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart by decreasing heart rate and myocardial contractility.
13. A client with acute kidney injury has hyperkalemia. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
A) Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
B) Calcium gluconate
C) Magnesium sulfate
D) Furosemide
Answer: A) Sodium polystyrene sulfonate**
Explanation: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps reduce high potassium levels by exchanging sodium for potassium in the intestines.
14. Which dietary modification should a nurse include in the plan of care for a client with chronic kidney disease?
A) High-protein diet
B) Low-sodium diet
C) High-potassium diet
D) Low-carbohydrate diet
Answer: B) Low-sodium diet**
Explanation: Clients with chronic kidney disease should limit sodium intake to help control blood pressure and fluid balance.
15. A nurse is caring for a client with a newly inserted tracheostomy. Which intervention is the highest priority?
A) Performing tracheostomy care every 8 hours
B) Keeping the tracheostomy site dry
C) Ensuring a patent airway
D) Providing adequate hydration
Answer: C) Ensuring a patent airway**
Explanation: Maintaining a clear and patent airway is the highest priority for a client with a tracheostomy.
16. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed anticoagulant therapy. Which complication should the nurse monitor for?
A) Hemorrhage
B) Hypercalcemia
C) Hypoglycemia
D) Hypertension
Answer: A) Hemorrhage
Explanation: Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage.
17. A client is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which symptom is commonly associated with this condition?
A) Weight gain
B) Bradycardia
C) Heat intolerance
D) Constipation
Answer: C) Heat intolerance**
Explanation: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolism, leading to symptoms like heat intolerance and weight loss.
18. Which intervention is appropriate for a client experiencing a panic attack?
A) Encourage deep, slow breathing
B) Leave the client alone to calm down
C) Administer a stimulant
D) Discuss the client’s feelings in depth
Answer: A) Encourage deep, slow breathing**
Explanation: Deep breathing helps reduce anxiety and physical symptoms of a panic attack.
19. A client with cirrhosis is experiencing ascites. Which dietary recommendation should the nurse provide?
A) Increase fluid intake
B) Increase protein intake
C) Limit sodium intake
D) Limit carbohydrate intake
Answer: C) Limit sodium intake**
Explanation: Reducing sodium intake helps manage fluid retention and ascites in clients with cirrhosis.
20. A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding is expected?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Epigastric pain
C) Bradycardia
D) Hypotension
Answer: B) Epigastric pain
Explanation: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe epigastric pain that can radiate to the back.
These questions test your knowledge and help you prepare for the NCLEX exam. Review each answer’s rationale to better understand the concepts and improve your chances of passing the exam. Good luck!
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.